Intelligent Medicine | The Best of High Tech Medicine and Alternative Modalities

Turning Back the Clock on Aging Muscles. Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the incredible benefits of exercise for aging muscles and overall health. She highlights research showing that exercise can reprogram muscle fibers to a more youthful state, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and improves general well-being. She delves into different types of exercises, such as strength training, swimming, walking, and HIIT, and underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced exercise routine. Additionally, she explores the critical role of adequate protein intake and the emerging science of myokines in muscle and whole-body health.

Happy Fourth of July!; I was diagnosed with ITP which is now in remission. What can I do for the bruises that never go away?; Is it the "Spike" that we should not like?; I have stomach discomfort accompanied by a slight headache every night for the last five years.

I'm taking Emgality for migraine but it doesn't seem to help any longer. What do you think of CBD?; Is there a connection between taking Synthroid and edema?; How would I find a functional medicine physician on Long Island?; Is there a such thing as a holistic endocrinologist?; When I mention I have Covid long hauler's, I get stares.

Exploring Functional Sobriety: Nutrition's Role in Alcohol Reduction: Dr. Brooke Scheller, a certified nutrition specialist and author of “How to Eat to Change How You Drink: Heal Your Gut, Mend Your Mind, and Improve Nutrition to Change Your Relationship with Alcohol,” discusses the significant nutritional aspects of alcohol consumption. She delves into the impacts of alcohol on health, the nutritional deficiencies it causes, and how a structured diet can support recovery. Dr. Scheller shares her personal journey to sobriety, the concept of functional sobriety, and practical advice on managing alcohol cravings through diet and supplements. She also discusses societal trends in drinking, gender differences in alcohol's effects, and strategies for reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption for better health outcomes.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Brooke Scheller, Founder, Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, Functional Sobriety, and author of “How to Eat to Change How You Drink: Heal Your Gut, Mend Your Mind, and Improve Nutrition to Change Your Relationship with Alcohol.”

Zen Honeycutt, Founding Executive Director of Moms Across America, exposes the alarming truth about glyphosate in a detailed discussion on food safety and environmental toxins. Zen shares her personal journey of founding the organization and discusses the adverse effects of GMOs and glyphosate on health, particularly children's health. She highlights concerning findings from various food tests, including school lunches and gluten-free foods, and explains the systemic issues within regulatory agencies. The conversation also touches upon the broader implications of environmental toxins, global health regulations, and potential solutions within communities.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Zen Honeycutt, Founding Executive Director of the national nonprofit Moms Across America.

Women’s health update: Mammograms newly-mandated for all women over 40, and the profound brain effects of hysterectomy; Adverse effects of overzealous prescribing of sleep meds—massive weight gain and thyroid dysfunction? Health authorities can’t decide whether ultra-processed foods are harmful—but new study shows they worsen prognosis for cancer survivors; Low-fat plant-based diet advocate dies at 77; Supplements to hasten recovery from fractures (think turmeric!); When seniors need to worry if heart rate hikes during exercise.

Is your yard a toxic Superfund site? Sick chimpanzees instinctively seek out medicinal herbs when sick; Are allergy shots worth it? Paxlovid flops for COVID pneumonia; Fish oil for hip arthritis; The verdict on Splenda; Which is better for brain health—whey protein or resistance exercise, or both? Do we all need more fiber?

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the epidemic of low testosterone in men and its associated health risks, referencing a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. She explains the causes of low testosterone, including obesity, lifestyle factors, and certain medications like statins. Leyla also highlights the importance of lifestyle changes in managing chronic diseases and the global movement towards lifestyle medicine, underscored by the recent Doha Declaration advocating for lifestyle medicine as a transformative healthcare approach.

The importance of muscle mass; What is the meaning of IgG, IgA and IgM. I'm concerned about my immune system; How do you feel about Black Seed Oil for immune support?

I have Parkinson's and I notice my medication has yellow dyes in it. Can't these be manufactured without artificial colors?; Can you recommend a good joint supplement I can take for the rest of my life?; I've been diagnosed with 14 high risk HPV types. What supplements can I take to mitigate risk?; Can lipase enzymes break down trans fats in our food?; I take 5 grams daily of creatine monohydrate. Should I take more for brain health?; I have overactive bladder but I'm reluctant to go on medication. Any recommendations?

Dr. Lindsey Berkson is a world-renowned expert on hormone replacement therapy. She shares her journey as a DES baby with multiple endocrine challenges, including reproductive cancers. Through exhaustive research she overcame her problems and enjoys high functioning at an age where many women are in steep decline. She discusses various forms of hormone replacement, why conventional ideas about menopause treatment are misguided, how supplements can enhance the safety and efficacy of hormone replacement, and the impact of dietary factors like soy. She has written extensively about the effects of hormone disruptors on women’s health. Check out her membership program, Everything Hormones, and her Substack, Agile Thinking.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Lindsey Berkson is a world-renowned expert on hormone replacement therapy.

Dr. Edward Walker, a scientist from the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research, details the rigorous research process behind Calocurb, a natural product aimed at curbing appetite and fighting obesity. Dr. Walker explains how his team identified and formulated Amarasate, a compound derived from New Zealand hops, which mimics the appetite-suppressing effects of certain gastrointestinal hormones like GLP-1. The conversation also covers the evolution of the product, the scientific studies confirming its efficacy, and practical considerations for its use. They further delve into the challenges and potentials of using natural alternatives to pharmaceutical weight loss drugs.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Edward Walker, a scientist and lecturer with The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, a New Zealand Crown Research Institute. He helped discover and develop Amarasate, the active ingredient in Calocurb.

“5:2” intermittent fasting outperforms diabetes drugs; Celebrity UK diet doc—proponent of intermittent fasting—tragically dies at 67 while hiking mountainous terrain on Greek holiday; Is L-serine good or bad for the brain? What’s the latest on the fish oil/cardiovascular disease controversy? Most Ozempic users quit before attaining weight loss goals; Benefits of Calocurb for weight loss. In turnaround, testosterone NOT found to hike cardio risk; Men with low T suffer early death; CBD chews combat anxiety, joint problems in pets.

“Ultra-Processed Foods DO NOT Cause Obesity” claims latest study from top U.S. diet policy makers; Florida Congresswoman takes aim at high-fructose corn syrup, food dyes in proposed bill; What’s the best natural sunscreen? Why is there DPA in fish oil—and is it beneficial? A caller’s doctor poo-poos vitamin D’s benefits for immunity; Natural support for GERD; Alzheimer’s slowed by lifestyle intervention in first-of-its-kind trial; Campaigns against misinformation backfire—by making people distrust legitimate information; Pentagon funds $450 million experimental project to deliver lab-grown meat to troops to “lower carbon footprint”.

The Connection Between Community Mobility, Exercise, and Cognitive Health. Nutritionist Leyla Muedin weighs in on the impact of community, mobility and exercise on cognitive function and overall health. She reviews recent studies, including one from the Journal of the American Geriatric Society, highlighting how greater community and mobility can be associated with better cognitive function, and another study from the journal Aging Cell that demonstrates exercise’s beneficial effects on brain health at the cellular level in mice. Additionally, Leyla discusses the harmful effects of air pollution on brain health and the importance of a holistic approach, emphasizing both physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices to mitigate cognitive decline and improve well-being.

Mask confusion is reigning in New York; A case of high dose curcumin in the treatment of kidney disease and psoriasis; Nystatin therapy for the treatment of candida.

What kind of sweetener can I use in my daily coffee and tea?; I have an asymptomatic urinary tract infection. Must I take an antibiotic?; I've been on a low carb diet for 16 months. When will my diabetes go away?; I recently had hip surgery and want to take care of my joints. What supplements do you recommend?; Do you have a recommendation for my pet's joint health too?; How can I treat or manage emphysema?

Alex Martinez, CEO and co-founder of Intrinsic Medicine reveals the potential of utilizing human milk biology, specifically the microbiome and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), to address various medical challenges such as Parkinson's disease, autism spectrum disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Alex shares his journey from being an attorney to starting a therapeutics company focused on the innovative use of human milk's properties. The conversation also delves into the science behind HMOs, their evolutionary significance, and their potential impact on the microbiome and immune system. This episode provides insights into the cutting-edge research and the promising future of natural, less toxic, and cost-effective therapeutic solutions.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Alex Martinez, the CEO and co-founder of Intrinsic Medicine, a therapeutics company leveraging human milk biology to transform Gut-Immune-Brain Axis (GIBA) disorders such as Parkinson’s, Autism Spectrum Disorder, IBS, Alzheimer’s, and IBD, among other illnesses.

Although cardiovascular disease is usually thought of as a man’s disease, almost as many women die each year of heart problems. Jane Jansen, a naturopathic practitioner from the Tree of Life Wellness Center in Massachusetts brings a unique perspective with her extensive background in cardiovascular labs and non-invasive cardiology. She sheds light on the gender disparities in cardiovascular research, the critical periods for women's heart health, especially during perimenopause and menopause, and the evolving understanding of hormone replacement therapy. The episode highlights the importance of early diagnosis, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, and the benefits of specific supplements like aged garlic extract. Jansen addresses the underestimation of women's cardiovascular risks compared to breast cancer and offer practical advice on managing stress and improving sleep quality. This comprehensive conversation aims to break stereotypes and provide actionable insights for better heart health among women.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Naturopathic Practitioner, Jane Jansen of the Tree of Life Wellness Center in Massachusetts.

As weight-loss meds surge in popularity, BigPharma builds pipeline of even more potent, pricey drugs—questions arise as to their sustainability, cost-effectiveness; 93 million Americans may be candidates for them, at an annual price tag of $600 billion; Tufts nutrition chief calls for 12-18 month limits on their use, conditioning their prescription on mandatory behavior modification for weight loss maintenance; German man opts for 217 Covid shots—researchers claim he’s still “fine”; Alpha lipoic acid for diabetic neuropathy; Does Motrin affect the liver? Consumer alert over “free” urinary catheter scams.

NYU doctor dies of anaphylactic shock after deadly food allergens not disclosed at Disney eatery; Pharmaceutical company fined $264 million for lifesaving Epi-Pen price-gouging; Nasal spray alternative to injectable epinephrine canceled over efficacy concerns; How microbiome imbalances predict food allergy susceptibility; Alternatives to expensive creams for bothersome skin rashes; Is krill oil compatible with blood thinners like Eloquis? Continuous glucose monitors cleared for over-the-counter sale without prescription; Hawthorne for congestive heart failure; Can high-dose vitamin D forestall juvenile onset diabetes? Microplastics and heart disease; FDA issues “qualified health claim” for yogurt as hedge against Type 2 diabetes.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin explores the often overlooked topic of natural toxins in food. Drawing insights from the Integrative Medicine Journal, she discusses how plants protect themselves with chemical compounds that can pose health risks. She also delves into survey results from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, revealing public awareness and concerns about these natural toxins compared to synthetic contaminants. The episode highlights the ongoing debate about the safety of consuming certain plant foods and the popularity of diets like the carnivore movement, which seek to avoid these natural plant compounds.

Can you please discuss the xylitol and cardiovascular risk study? Do I have to stop using xylitol spray, mouthwash and gum now? What about DGL?; I've been diagnosed with Atrial fibrillation. What do you think of Pulsed Field Ablation?; I have Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy. What would you recommend?; I'm 5' 2" and 185 lbs. Would I benefit from Calocurb?

What do you think of IV drip lounges? When would I use them? Do I need a doctor's prescription?; What supplements can I take to lower HS-CRP?; Is appetite physical or mental? It seems a lot of times I'm not hungry but I can't control my eating; How do you know if your GERD is from too much or too little stomach acid?

Dr. Alan Gaby comments on bias against nutritional supplements. He recently penned an op-ed entitled “They’re telling us that nutritional supplements are a waste of money”. He is the author of the textbook “Nutritional Medicine” which contains thousands of references to studies substantiating the benefits of supplements. Is there collusion between the pharmaceutical industry, government regulators, politicians, and compliant media to rein in the supplement industry? Why has the press uncritically focussed on the alleged harms of supplements? What’s wrong with studies claiming lack of efficacy of multivitamins, fish oil, and vitamin D? Dr. Gaby takes an even-handed approach, citing instances of over-arching claims about nutrients; he urges “humility” and scientific rigor in nutrition science, and decries the missed opportunity for study of the promising roles of diet, lifestyle, and nutraceuticals afforded by our quest for measures to control the pandemic.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Alan Gaby, author of the textbook “Nutritional Medicine."

Dr. Cate Shanahan, author of “Dark Calories: How Vegetable Oils Destroy Our Health and How We Can Get It Back,” details the controversy surrounding vegetable oils, arguing they are harmful and contribute to a host of health issues. She elaborates on her scientific findings and personal journey that led her to this conclusion. The conversation covers the historical promotion of vegetable oils by organizations like the American Heart Association, which Dr. Shanahan claims was based on unfounded evidence. They also discuss the prevalence of these oils in our diet, their impact on obesity and metabolic syndrome, and their role in oxidative stress and inflammation. The episode provides practical advice on eliminating harmful oils from one's diet and highlights healthier alternatives.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Cate Shanahan, Scientist, family physician, and author of "DARK CALORIES: How Vegetable Oils Destroy Our Health and How We Get It Back."

The seed oil controversy—toxic poison or harmless bystander? Is my medication raising my blood sugar? Mulberry extract vs. diabetes; Amarasate—a natural GLP-1 enhancer that can curb cravings, reduce appetite.

New study shows Ozempic associated with need for anti-depressants; When antibiotics aren’t enough—strategies for treating prostatitis; Do genes increase likelihood of autoimmune disorders? Can gene profiles guide medical nutrition therapy? Election year copouts—is the White House courting Black and youth voters by rescinding bans on menthol cigarettes and Juul vapes? How a former Surgeon General found himself stuck with a $10,000 bill for a short ER visit.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin delves into the Microbiome Theory of Aging as outlined in Dr. Ross Pelton's article from the Integrative Medicine Clinician's Journal. The series explores the connection between gut health, dysbiosis, and aging, highlighting the role of dietary fibers and polyphenols in feeding probiotic bacteria to produce beneficial postbiotic metabolites. It also discusses zonulin's role in intestinal permeability, the negative impacts of the standard American diet on microbiome health, and the importance of a diverse plant-based diet for nurturing a healthy microbiome. Additionally, the episode critiques the efficacy of commercial probiotics versus the benefits of postbiotics and introduces postbiotic metabolites as an emerging, effective approach to improving gut health and overall wellness.

New guidelines for vitamin D recommendations per the Endocrine Society defy personalized medicine; Highlights from the Institute for Functional Medicine and American Nutrition Association meetings: Protein Power, and are new weight loss drugs a panacea?; Where can I find Wobenzyme? Any substitutes?; Does freezing bananas and cooling rice result in resistant starch?

What impact does resistant starch have on the glycemic index of foods?; What are the pros and cons of the EBT heart scan vs. the CT heart scan?; What do you suggest for dealing with severe back pain today short of surgery?; I drink a popular mushroom coffee. Is this ok to drink if you have autoimmune disease?; What do you think of testosterone supplements for weight loss, low libido and ED?

Dr. Jonathan Clinthorne, PhD and Senior Director of Nutrition at the Simply Good Foods Company details the ongoing 'diet wars' between plant-based, carnivorous, low-fat, and low-carb diets. Dr. Clinthorne shares his expertise on nutritional immunology, energy metabolism, and the benefits of low-carb dieting, particularly through his involvement with Atkins and Quest Nutrition. The conversation explores the relationship between diet and immune function, the benefits of a low-carb lifestyle for weight loss and chronic diseases like fatty liver disease, and the misconceptions around high protein intake. They also discuss the surge in popularity of GLP-1 agonist medications for weight loss and the potential benefits of low-carb diets as a supportive treatment. The episode provides comprehensive insights from personal experiences and scientific perspectives, demonstrating the significant health benefits of a well-formulated low-carb diet.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Jonathan Clinthorne, PhD, Sr. Director, Nutrition at The Simply Good Foods (parent company to Atkins and Quest Nutrition).

According to today’s guest, Dr. John Abramson, Americans are getting less bang for their buck when it comes to ever more pricey pharmaceutical drugs. Despite enormous expenditures—17.7% of our GDP—Americans are less healthy and life expectancy lags behind other developed nations. Dr. Abramson, formerly a family practice physician, turned his attention to critiquing the pharmaceutical industry when he realized over-the-top marketing of drugs was at odds with his patients’ interests. He wrote Overdosing America, and became an expert witness in a landmark class action lawsuit over the now-withdrawn drug Bextra. His new book, "Sickening: How Big Pharma Broke American Health Care—And How We Can Repair It," exposes the sleight-of-hand involved in studies that gain approval for new drugs, and how the profit motive distorts optimal drug and device development. Dr. Abramson cites the example of statins as drugs that, while helpful for some, have been vastly overhyped and overprescribed on scant evidence. He takes aim at physician education—both in medical school and post-graduate—as indoctrinating doctors to prescribe drugs with questionable efficacy and undisclosed harms. Dr. Abramson offers an insider’s critique of the medical provisions of the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act—which in fact does little to cap Americans’ skyrocketing outlays for prescription drugs.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. John Abramson, author of "Sickening: How Big Pharma Broke American Health Care—And How We Can Repair It."

Inadequate hydration found to be a risk factor for premature death; Vitamin D for Epstein Barr? Is there a “veggie pill” for diabetes? California moves to ban PFAS-laden artificial turf; Lead exposure found to be worse than thought for brain, heart; Switch to mini-blood tubes might help ICU patients avoid transfusions; What causes MS?

Why DEXA scans don’t tell the whole story about osteoporosis risk; New Apple Watch feature tells you how much healthful sunshine you’re getting; Solutions for nerve pain in neck; Finding that Ozempic helps avert kidney failure boosts weight loss drug stocks—but tanks stocks of dialysis centers; Americans on track to spend half their lives taking prescription drugs; New intranasal Covid vaccine without controversial RNA technology shows promise.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin details the Microbiome Theory of Aging (MTA) through a comprehensive article by Ross Pelton in Integrative Medicine, a Clinician's Journal. The theory suggests that dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance in the gut, causes health problems that can accelerate biological aging by increasing inflammation, zonulin levels, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), and triggering chronic diseases. The episode covers the roles of probiotics, postbiotics, and how lifestyle factors influence the aging process. Leyla also discusses causes of dysbiosis, including diet, antibiotics, and stress, and introduces the concept of postbiotic metabolites as key regulators of health. The importance of the gut-brain axis and the effect of stress on microbiome dysfunction are also highlighted. The talk aims to provide insight into how maintaining a healthy gut microbiome can influence aging and health, setting the stage for a deeper dive in the next episode.

You might be taking too many medications; Are there any dangers of taking apple cider vinegar daily long term? How much is too much?; How can I prevent yet another bout of shingles? What do you think of the vaccine?

My friend has spondylolisthesis and would like to avoid surgery. Any suggestions?; Protecting your free speech; Can food allergy reactions impact CGMs with glucose spikes? Is there a relationship?; A comment and thoughts on the state of school lunches.

The Covid pandemic should’ve served as a wake-up call, highlighting our vulnerabilities as a nation. Ross Arena, Ph.D., professor of physical therapy at the University of Illinois Chicago, is spearheading a bold initiative called HL-PIVOT to underscore the role that healthy lifestyle plays in enhancing resilience. He is lead author of a new paper that demonstrates the roles that obesity, poor diet, smoking, and inadequate sleep play in setting the stage for poor Covid outcomes. Instead of a pandemic, he argues that we’re experiencing a “syndemic”—a perfect storm of chronic diseases that in themselves exact a terrible toll of chronic illness, but at the same time render Americans more susceptible to Covid. The surprising disparity between US regions with healthier, more active populations versus sedentary precincts within “food deserts” spotlights the important role lifestyle plays as a mediator of Covid severity. Arena argues that this has important social justice implications, with underserved populations experiencing the brunt of the syndemic.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Ross Arena, Ph.D., professor of physical therapy at the University of Illinois Chicago.